Median Income
$45,500
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$51,000
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.9%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$765
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.6%
106% higher than US avg
How Hickory Ridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population302
Median Age54.3 yrs
Density465/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,500
Per Capita$24,498
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty25.6%
County GDP$588M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$51,000
Rent$765
Ownership62.7%
Zillow$50,060
Housing Units119
Rent Burden31.3%
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking18.9%
Depression29.3%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain51.1 in/yr
Elevation231 ft (70 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.9%
High School+80.4%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.18
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute29 min
Broadband83.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Hickory Ridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hickory Ridge receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Hickory Ridge offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hickory Ridge is $45,500, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 25.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hickory Ridge is $51,000, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Hickory Ridge enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.1 inches.
Hickory Ridge has a population of 302 with a density of 465 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 54.3 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 30.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
302
Total Population
2023 Census
54.3yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hickory Ridge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Hickory Ridge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hickory Ridge is $45,500, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,498 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $795, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 453 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hickory Ridge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,500 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,498 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $795 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,483 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.6% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 453 |
| County GDP | $588M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 48 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,832 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Hickory Ridge is $51,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $50,060. Monthly rent averages $765 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 119 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $1,832 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $51,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $50,060 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $765 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.3% |
| Housing Units | 119 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,832 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.59% |
In Hickory Ridge, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 37.2% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 33.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,383. The dentist ratio is 1:1,845. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hickory Ridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.2% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.3% |
| Depression | 29.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,383 |
| Dentists | 1:1,845 |
| Mental Health | 1:966 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 54.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,763/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
Hickory Ridge enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 231 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.6°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 231 ft (70 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 465/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.4028°N, 90.9945°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cross County County |
| Nearest Airport | Searcy Regional (SRC)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.1"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.65"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
349 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
124 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
119 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
90 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
78 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
126 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
115 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
125 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
126 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
40 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
115 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
112 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
47 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
521 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 199 fatalities, 2,463 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
59 km |
8 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
23 km |
5 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
37 km |
3 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
51 km |
7 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
40 km |
35 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
67 km |
50 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
2 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
51 km |
29 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
25 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 2020 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
58 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,783 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,783 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,511 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,194 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
WAPANOCCA LAKE |
725 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
627 |
74 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
599 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
4.9 in |
|
Hickory Ridge has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 39°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.7") and September the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Hickory Ridge. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130-$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174-$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87-$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695-$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65-$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130-$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22-$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43-$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130-$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348-$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87-$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52-$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43-$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130-$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476-$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348-$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780-$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435-$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345-$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738-$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695-$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174-$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869-$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65-$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43-$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61-$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17-$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17-$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61-$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48-$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52-$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70-$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26-$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43-$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65-$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043-$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26-$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521-$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435-$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174-$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22-$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348-$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345-$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43-$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130-$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87-$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Hickory Ridge
What is the population of Hickory Ridge?
Hickory Ridge has a population of 302 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 465 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Hickory Ridge expensive to live in?
Hickory Ridge is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,500, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $51,000 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Hickory Ridge?
Hickory Ridge enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 51.1 inches, with 1.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Hickory Ridge?
The job market in Hickory Ridge is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $795. There are 453 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hickory Ridge?
The median home value in Hickory Ridge is $51,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $50,060. For renters, the median monthly rent is $765. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.7%. The average annual property tax is $1,832.
How are the schools in Hickory Ridge?
Schools in Hickory Ridge score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.9% of adults in Hickory Ridge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hickory Ridge?
The obesity rate in Hickory Ridge is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 33.3% are physically inactive. 29.3% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,383.
What is transportation like in Hickory Ridge?
The average commute in Hickory Ridge is 29 minutes. 94.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hickory Ridge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hickory Ridge is 96.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.8% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.